Stephen L Steinke

US Patent:

6367568, Apr 9, 2002

Filed:

May 15, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/858138

Inventors:

Stephen C. Steinke - The Woodlands TX
Gary R. Portwood - Kingwood TX
Gary E. Garcia - The Woodlands TX
David P. Moran - The Woodlands TX
Quan V. Nguyen - Santa Ana CA

Assignee:

Smith International, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 1008

US Classification:

175331, 175336, 175341, 1754201, 175430, 175432

Abstract:

A cutter element for a drill bit. The cutter element has a base portion and an extending portion and the extending portion has either a zero draft or a negative draft with respect to the base portion. The non-positive draft allows more of the borehole bottom to be scraped using fewer cutter elements. The cutter elements having non-positive draft can be either tungsten carbide inserts or steel teeth.

US Patent:

6561293, May 13, 2003

Filed:

May 15, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/858160

Inventors:

James C. Minikus - Spring TX
Chris E. Cawthorne - The Woodlands TX
Stephen C. Steinke - The Woodlands TX
Gary R. Portwood - Kingwood TX
Gary E. Garcia - The Woodlands TX
David P. Moran - The Woodlands TX
Quan V. Nguyen - Houston TX

Assignee:

Smith International, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 1008

US Classification:

1754201, 175430

Abstract:

A cutter element for a drill bit has a non-rectilinear crest. The cutter element has a base portion and an extending portion and the extending portion has either a zero draft or a negative draft with respect to the base portion. The non-positive draft allows more of the borehole bottom to be scraped using fewer cutter elements. The cutter elements having non-positive draft can be either tungsten carbide inserts or steel teeth.

US Patent:

6782959, Aug 31, 2004

Filed:

May 13, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/436709

Inventors:

James C. Minikus - Spring TX
Chris E. Cawthorne - The Woodlands TX
Stephen C. Steinke - The Woodlands TX
Gary R. Portwood - Kingwood TX
Gary E. Garcia - The Woodlands TX
David P. Moran - The Woodlands TX
Quan V. Nguyen - Houston TX

Assignee:

Smith International, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 1008

US Classification:

1754201, 175430

Abstract:

A cutter element for a drill bit has a crest that defines a crest line. The crest can be non-rectilinear. The crest line of each cutter element defines an angle with respect to the axis of the rolling cone on which the cutter element is mounted. The cutter elements define different angles with respect to the cone axis and with respect to each other.

US Patent:

7286959, Oct 23, 2007

Filed:

Jun 21, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/872661

Inventors:

Stephen C. Steinke - The Woodlands TX, US

Assignee:

Smith International, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

G06F 11/30
G06F 9/44
E21B 10/00

US Classification:

702182, 175327, 705 7

Abstract:

A method and system that can be used to automatically calculate and generate performance analysis charts, including a reliability curve is disclosed. The method and system may be used to selectively convert performance records data from a database into graphs and charts reflective of a performance analysis. The invention also provides a tool and method that can be used to predict the effective life or run time of a component, such as a drill bit, based calculated reliabilities for similar components.

US Patent:

7707009, Apr 27, 2010

Filed:

Oct 23, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/877430

Inventors:

Stephen C. Steinke - The Woodlands TX, US

Assignee:

Smith International, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

G06F 11/30
E21B 12/02
G06F 19/00

US Classification:

702182, 175 39, 700175

Abstract:

A method and system for automatically calculating and generating performance analysis charts, including a reliability curve. The method and system are used to selectively convert performance records data from a database into graphs and charts reflective of a performance analysis. A tool and method is provided for predicting the effective life or run time of a component, such as a drill bit, based on calculated reliabilities for similar components.

US Patent:

61616346, Dec 19, 2000

Filed:

Sep 3, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/146154

Inventors:

James C. Minikus - Spring TX
Chris E. Cawthorne - The Woodlands TX
Stephen C. Steinke - The Woodlands TX
Gary R. Portwood - Kingwood TX
Gary E. Garcia - The Woodlands TX
David P. Moran - The Woodlands TX

International Classification:

E21B 1016

US Classification:

175331

Abstract:

A cutter element for a drill bit. The cutter element has a non-rectilinear crest. The non-rectilinear or curvilinear crest provides an advantageous distribution of the cutting forces across the body of the cutter elements and thus improves bit life. The curvilinear crest also allows the cutter element to more efficiently lift the portion of the formation that is being cut, thereby improving cutting action in certain formations. The cutter elements can have either positive or non-positive draft and can be tungsten carbide inserts.

US Patent:

62410342, Jun 5, 2001

Filed:

Sep 3, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/146095

Inventors:

Stephen C. Steinke - The Woodlands TX
Gary R. Portwood - Kingwood TX
Gary E. Garcia - The Woodlands TX
David P. Moran - The Woodlands TX

Assignee:

Smith International, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 1008

US Classification:

175331

Abstract:

A cutter element for a drill bit. The cutter element has a base portion and an extending portion and the extending portion has either a zero draft or a negative draft with respect to the base portion. The non-positive draft allows more of the borehole bottom to be scraped using fewer cutter elements. The cutter elements having non-positive draft can be either tungsten carbide inserts or steel teeth.